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Chiropractic for Neck Pain

Neck Pain
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Overview

Working at a computer all day can cause slight to severe neck pain. The neck or cervical spine consists of seven small vertebrae at the base of the skull.  Amazingly, your neck supports the weight of your head, which weighs on average 12 pounds.The flexibility of the cervical spine, which can move your head in almost all directions, makes it especially susceptible to injury and pain.  This susceptibility is sometimes due to biomechanics, extended sitting or repetitive movement, falls, accidents, trauma to the head or body, or natural aging can affect cervical biomechanics.You may also find your neck pain gets worse after sitting for extended periods of time, at work or during long car rides. It is important to take frequent breaks to stretch the neck and back throughout the day. This decreases your chances of neck stiffness or injury.

Overview

Working at a computer all day can cause slight to severe neck pain. The neck or cervical spine consists of seven small vertebrae at the base of the skull.  Amazingly, your neck supports the weight of your head, which weighs on average 12 pounds.  The flexibility of the cervical spine, which can move your head in almost all directions, makes it especially susceptible to injury and pain.  This susceptibility is sometimes due to biomechanics, extended sitting or repetitive movement, falls, accidents, trauma to the head or body, or natural aging can affect cervical biomechanics. You may also find your neck pain gets worse after sitting for extended periods of time, at work or during long car rides. It is important to take frequent breaks to stretch the neck and back throughout the day. This decreases your chances of neck stiffness or injury.
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Causes of Neck Pain

Accident and Injuries – Whiplash is an injury where the head bounces back and fourth causing a sudden force of the neck in the opposite direction.

The injury damages surrounding tissues creating muscle weakness and results in stiffness and pain. Automobile accidents are the most common cause of whiplash.

Age-related disorders – degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis affect the spine.  Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces in the spine which can strain your spinal cord.  It often occurs in the lower back and neck. Osteoarthritis causes progressive weakening of cartilage.  Bone spurs form as the body reacts, which will affect joint motion.

Degenerative disc disease is the decrease of the flexibility of the inter-vertebral discs.  As you grow older, the discs may herniate or bulge causing the numbness, tingling, and pain in the neck that radiates into the arm.

Obesity, weak abdominal muscles, and poor posture disturb the spinal balance, causing the neck to curve.  Tension and stress can cause tightening of muscles, resulting in pain. Body stance can be a factor for chronic neck pain.

Chiropractic for Neck Pain

Chiropractic treatments are a natural, nonsurgical way to reduce neck pain and other symptoms you may be experiencing. When you visit a chiropractic doctor, he or she will perform a physical examination to detect the source of your pain. Your chiropractor will evaluate your body as a whole. By looking at your body as a whole, and not just your neck, your chiropractor can determine the underlying cause of your neck pain.  He or she will ask about your present symptoms and medications you may already have tried.Your doctor will ask the following questions:•    When does the pain start?•    What did you do for your neck pain?•    Is the pain going through other parts of your body?•    Have you noticed anything that reduces the pain or worsens it?Your chiropractor will perform neurological and physical examinations. Your doctor will observe your posture, your physical condition, range of motion, and movements that are causing pain.  The chiropractor will observe your reflexes, muscle strength and other nerve changes with a neurological exam. We are concerned with diagnosing and treating your pain, as well as preventing any future injuries. Our doctor will take the time to explain to you ways to avoid neck pain outside of getting routine adjustments.Sometimes, your chiropractor will require an x-ray to help diagnose your condition; as it can show narrowed disc space, bone spurs, arthritis, or fractures.
Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments

Manipulation or mobilization may help some people with neck pain. Treatment should follow an assessment and may be combined with exercise and other care. Improvement varies, and adjustments do not guarantee a pain-free outcome or improved immunity.

Temporary soreness or stiffness can occur. Rare serious complications have been reported, including neurological injury and tears in neck arteries. Discuss benefits, risks and alternatives with your clinician.

Research findings depend on the condition and treatment studied. Read NCCIH’s evidence and safety overview. Medication decisions should be made with the prescribing clinician.

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